Print Page |
|
|
|
| Contact
us | Sitemap | Recommend
a friend | Print Page |
Press releasesKEEP YOUR COOL THIS WINTERMOTORISTS are being advised by one of the country’s leading breakdown services how to keep their cool this winter. Autonational Rescue, in the lead-up to their busiest time of the year, are reminding drivers how to avoid some of the frustrations of winter breakdowns. “Many potential problems can be avoided with just a little preparation,” says Autonational’s marketing manager Ronan Hart. The first tip is: check the coolant. It should be changed completely every two years with a 50-50 mix of glycol-based anti-freeze and water. This gives the engine protection and avoids what could be expensive problems of the water pump and cylinder block freezing or an iced-up radiator. One of the major causes of calls-outs, however, are flat batteries, with lights, heater, radio and other equipment all contributing to draining the charge. It’s a problem made worse by much of the driving being in the dark, and giving the battery little opportunity to fully recharge. A battery’s life span is about 3-5 years, but wear and tear can be reduced by not turning on every one of the car’s electrical gadgets before attempting to start the engine – that means the heater, rear window demister, lights, wipers and radio. Wait until the engine has fired, and if this doesn’t happen first time, turn the key in four or five second bursts with about half a minute between attempts to give the battery a chance to recover. Once started, wait until all the windows have cleared before you move off. And if the journey is to be made in ice or snow, remember stopping distances can be up to ten times greater in these conditions. Drive gently and cautiously. Checking your tyres is well worthwhile too. A tread depth of 3mm is recommended for winter motoring, and don’t reduce the tyre pressure in the hope of better grip. It doesn’t work and can be very dangerous. Also give some thought to carrying an emergency pack with you which could include a mobile phone, an ice scraper and de-icer, torch, a blanket and warm clothes, boots, a tow rope, shovel and jump leads. “You never know when the elements can catch you out,” says Ronan Hart. Ends
For more information about Autonational Rescue, the car breakdown service with the no claims bonus, call 07000 999 911 Issued by CPR Works |
